No, Ben Chan is not the “Ben” in Benlai

Philippine lifestyle retail visionary Ben Chan was all smile when he told us, “I hope people won’t think I’m the ‘Ben’ in Benlai.” Given how his name has become almost a household name, I said people just might. But no, to be clear, Ben isn’t the “Ben” in Benlai.

Benlai is China’s fast-growing clothing brand in Southeast Asia, which I discovered on my Shanghai trip last November, thanks to a friend who toured us around fashion-forward stores in the malls. At first sight, I was sold on Benlai because of its clean minimalist design, techno-advanced fabric, and sophisticated laser detailing. And—given the fabric quality and fine finish—its price points are reasonable. At a Christmas dinner last December, I showed Ben my shirt, how techo-chic-clean it was, and suggested he brought it in; it already has flagship store in Bangkok.  He agreed. Hardly did I know then that bringing Benlai to the Metro Manila market was already in the works.

And so last Tuesday June 30, Ben Chan and Virgilio Lim, chairman/CEO and president, respectively, of Suyen Corporation led the ribbon-cutting opening the first Benlai store in the Philippines, right at SM Mall of Asia.

The store introduces Metro Manila to Benlai’s athleisure collection but with a difference: its muted shades and spare lines bear that Scandinavian minimalist chic, blended with Chinese contemporary lifestyle vibe. The active wear is sleek enough for corporate wear, with its wrinkle-free, moisture-absorbent fabric. There are loose shirts and barrel pants, soft tailored separates, skorts for racquet sports, straight casual dresses, hoodies, jackets, basics for layering. 

Benlai line is trendy yet practical. It can go from early-morning fitness routine to chill night.

Alden Richards was front-row guest and did the ribbon-cutting with Pasay City Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, and Benlai Asia Commercial & Operations director Klaus Wu.